Who would have thought that director Danny Boyle, the
man responsible for Trainspotting, a gritty look at England’s modern drug culture, and 28 Days Later, a grisly
zombie film, would be capable of making the sweetest film of the year? His
latest, Millions,
is a much-needed breath of fresh air at the local multiplex. Brimming with
hope, good cheer, and an unerring belief that people are good at heart,
capable of great charity and compassion, this film offers a modern fairy
tale that challenges the viewer to embrace its optimistic outlook on life
and ultimately proves impossible to resist.
Young Anthony and Damian (Lewis Owen McGibbon and
Alexander Nathan Etel) are handling the recent death of their mother
remarkably well. Although their father, Ronnie (James Nesbitt), is still
grieving, they are taking the loss of their mother in stride, having
discovered that it does have one advantage — if you mention that your
mom has just died, people tend to give you things.
One thing they didn’t ask for, however, is a
cash-filled bag that seemingly falls from the sky. Young enough to believe
in miracles, the boys don’t question where the money came from; their
only concern is what to do with it. Ever practical, 9-year-old Anthony
thinks they should buy real estate, for he knows that the chances are good
that their purchases will only become more valuable. He begins a whirlwind
tour, looking at high-priced condos without his father. However, 7-year-old
Damian has other plans for the money, and they’re quite simple
— he wants to give it away to those in need.
Boyle’s great gift has always been the energy
in his filmmaking. There’s an undeniable sense of pacing and vigor in
his movies, and it’s used to great effect here as he creates a
whimsical world in which miracles are possible and children are able to
conduct themselves as adults while maintaining their innocence. Rendered
with a sense of childlike wonder, Boyle’s film builds a sense of
eager anticipation in the viewer. Damian’s selflessness knows no
bounds, and even though his charitable acts drive his pragmatic brother up
the wall, Anthony knows that his sibling is acting from the heart.
The film does run out of steam at the end, especially
when we learn the origin of the cash-stuffed bag. Be that as it may, the
film’s heart is in the right place, much like its angelic
protagonist, who proudly lives his life by the Golden Rule.
Also in theaters this week. . .
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy [PG] Just before the Earth is to be demolished by an alien
construction crew, journeyman Arthur Dent is rescued by his researcher
friend Ford Prefect, and they begin an adventure. Â ShowPlace West, ShowPlace East
The Interpreter [PG-13] An
FBI agent is assigned to protect a United Nations interpreter who overheard
an assassination plot. ShowPlace West,
ShowPlace East
Kung Fu Hustle [R] Comedy
set in 1940s China about a hapless wannabe thug who tries to become a
member of a notorious gang. Parkway Pointe,
ShowPlace East
xXx: The State of the Union [PG-13] Darius Stone (Ice Cube), an agent in the xXx program, is
sent to Washington, D.C. to stop a conspiracy to overthrow the U.S.
government. Parkway Pointe, ShowPlace East
This article appears in Apr 28 – May 4, 2005.
